Our Instructors

Terri Josephson - Owner/2nd Generation Pilates Master Instructor

After going through training to become a registered nurse, I discovered I prefer helping people to lead a healthier lifestyle so they didn't get sick! I have been a personal fitness trainer since 1979, holding certifications through ACE, AFFA and Health Management Corp. In addition, I hold a BSBA from Northeastern University. I received my certification in Mat Pilates through Stott Pilates, a contemporary approach to Pilates based on the classical repertoire. I trained clients in Mat Pilates for 11 years before 'discovering' the beauty of reformer and apparatus work.

I have been trained in classical Pilates work through Power Pilates, Peak Pilates and Lolita's Pilates Master Training Program as well as contemporary Pilates through Fitness Resource Association, Stott Pilates and Balanced Body Pilates. I have completed over 1000 hours with teacher trainers. I've completed over 700 apprenticeship hours. After working with people with various challenges, I went on to be certified by Polestar Pilates for Studio/Rehabilitation, using Pilates for rehabilitation, under the tutelage of Brent Anderson, a Phd. in Physical Therapy and a world renowned leader in using Pilates for rehabilitation.

Having been trained in both classical and contemporary Pilates, as well as using Pilates for rehabilitation, I am able to design a program that will work for the individual in front of me.

I am dedicated to continuously updating my education in the Pilates Method of Physical Fitness and have completed the following training:

Spinal Abnormalities and PilatesPilates for the older adultScoliosis and Pilates - Unwinding the SpinePilates for OsteoporosisCorrecting the Gait through PilatesPilates for Rotational SportsFascial FitnessThe Foot, Foundation to the CoreAdvanced Assessment Skills 1 and pathologies of the torsoAdvanced Assessment Skills 2 and pathologies of the upper and lower extremitiesLolita San Miguel's Classical Mat Pilates and variationsLolita San Miguel's Classical Reformer and variationsLolita San Miguel's Classical Cadillac and Chair and variationsLolita San Miguel's Classical Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, Ped-O-Pul, Small ApparatusBodhi Suspension TrainingPilates for Hip and Knee Replacements and lower body pathologies

I reside in Englewood, Florida with my husband and two sons. We are Florida transplants, having relocated to Englewood in 2008 to escape the cold winters of New England. We are now happily enjoying all that Florida has to offer.

Kathy Dorando - Pilates InstructorKathy is a New England native. After 30 years as an owner of a Interior Design business in Newport RI, Kathy is now retired and prioritizing health and fitness. Over the past four years she has developed an infectious passion for Pilates. As a result of this, she has fully recovered from lower back pain and fatigue caused by an auto accident in 2015.Being a previous business owner, she understands how difficult finding a proper balance and a healthful outlook can be. With 4 years of Pilates practice as a student, Kathy knows what it's like to be on the 'other side' of the reformer and brings that understanding and compassion to her students. Kathy has completed Functional Movement Principles of Pilates, Reformer 1 and Reformer 2, with Balanced Body Pilates.

Sharla Mahshie - Pilates InstructorSharla Mahshie has been in the fitness industry for over 35 years and has taught Pilates Reformer and Mat classes for over 20 years. Sharla is certified through AFAA in Group Exercise instruction, AAAI/ISMA Personal Trainer, Body Pump certified, IDEA/FITX Mat 1 & 2, Pilates Apparatus Training with The Pilates Coach. Sharla uses her many years of work in the fitness industry to focus on strengthening the core and increase flexibility, as well as total body toning and balance work.

Sharla moved to Port Charlotte, FL in 1988 with John, her husband of 33 years.They have 3 grown children.

Maggie Sarmiento is an experienced Pilates trainer out of Martha's Vineyard with a background in group fitness, dance and acrobatics. A classically trained instructor, Maggie's emphasis is on correcting issues with the body by finding the individual's best form and using it to execute the exercise. Expression through the body, mind and soul has always been her priority as well as teaching movement to all ages. She believes in teaching her clients how to feel their body's natural tendencies, understand it and then gain control over how to strengthen and correct it. From bartending, waiting tables, 27 years of spiraling, twisting, jumping and flipping, she understands how shoulder tension can build up, how sensitive the sacrum can be, and how delicate our joints can be and staying active and as we age. We must feel the body, move the body, feel its support and from there gain balance and feel more alive.

Sandy Strickler - Group Ex and Cycle Instructor/Yoga Instructor

My two passions are people and fitness. I've been blessed to guide clients and teach group classes for over 30 years. I currently hold certifications with ACE and Spinning. I am also a 500RYT Yoga Instructor through Yoga Alliance. My love of fitness and yoga has taken me to several island resort destinations including Anguilla, Jamaica and Mexico where I've held retreats. I'm very excited to bring my passion and energy to all of you

Our ability to maintain our reputation as Englewood's premiere Pilates studio is directly related to the enthusiasm, performance, dedication and loyalty of our incredible team. If you are interested in exploring employment opportunities at The Pilates Sanctuary, whether as a Pilates, Yoga or Group Fitness Instructor, forward your resume and tell us a bit about yourself by clicking Join Our Team above.